Method of delivering short messages using a SMPP gateway with standard interface

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for delivering a short message from an external short message entity (ESME) to a wireless device. The method comprises transmitting a message from a message source device such as an external short message entity to a gateway, the message being associated with a service type. A routing determination is made based on the service type associated with the message. The message is then routed to one of a plurality of message centers according to the routing method chosen. The method may be used with a gateway system that implements a standard interface to a message complex of a wireless system. The interface enables all ESMEs to communicate with the message complex using a consistent standard interface. The system used to implement the method of the present invention comprises a short message point-to-point gateway, a message complex, a home location register and a mobile switching center. The external short message entity connects to the short message point-to-point gateway and requests delivery of a message to a wireless device, and the short message point-to-point gateway routes the request to an appropriate message center.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Application Ser. No. 09/714,036, entitled “A SHORT MESSAGE POINT-TO-POINT GATEWAY HAVING A STANDARD INTERFACE”, application Ser. No. 09/714,034, entitled “A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF BINDING TO A SHORT MESSAGE POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL GATEWAY”, application Ser. No. 09/714,033, entitled “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING ANTI-SPAM CONTROL USING A SHORT MESSAGE POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL GATEWAY”, application Ser. No. 09/714,032, entitled “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING THROTTLE CONTROL IN A SHORT MESSAGE POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL GATEWAY”, and application Ser. No. 09/714,031, entitled “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING THROTTLE CONTROL IN A SHORT MESSAGING POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL GATEWAY”. Each of these applications is concurrently filed and commonly owned. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gateway for allowing message sources to deliver messages to wireless devices and, more specifically, to a method of delivering short messages using a short message point-to-point protocol gateway that routes messages to wireless devices according to a single logical interface.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Wireless devices such as mobile telephones and the like can transmit and receive short messages from a variety of different sources. One example of a source of a short message destined for a wireless device is a short message entity (SME). Examples of such short message entities include computers, interactive voice response systems (IVR), teleservice servers, and intelligent peripherals. Examples of short messages that may be sent include voice mail and email. A device operating as a message source external to a wireless network is commonly called an external short message entity (ESME). Typically, and in the context of this disclosure, an ESME is a device associated with a wired network that operates as a message source deliverying a message to a mobile device. ESME messages destined for mobile devices are called herein mobile terminated (MT) messages since they originate from a wired ESME device and terminate with a mobile device. The following discussion relates primarily to MT messages.

In addition to operating as the source for a short message, ESMEs may also receive short messages from other devices, such as mobile devices. In this regard, messages originating from mobile devices are referred to herein as mobile originating (MO) messages.

A basic protocol for delivering messages from a wired network using a teleservice server to a wireless or mobile device is called the short message peer-to-peer (or point-to-point) protocol (SMPP). In addition to this basic protocol that may be used for a variety of ESMEs, the exact message flows from the ESME to the mobile device varies for each teleservice provider. A basic network architecture by which a message is delivered from a message source to a message-receiving device is shown in FIG. 1. As discussed below, numerous logical interfaces are presently necessary between an ESME and a wireless network in order to send and receive short messages. The different logical interfaces are necessary because numerous teleservices associated with ESMEs require different protocols for interfacing their ESME with routers in order to deliver the messages.

The architecture shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a system for delivering short messages from an ESME to a wireless network device. An external short messaging entity 108, 110, 112, 114 or 102 is the source of a short message. Examples of an ESME include a telephone, cellular phone, computer connecting through the Internet 106 to a network, or the like. A plurality of message or messaging centers 124 ₁–124 _(x) (MCs) each receives messages from one of the ESMEs. Since there are many different protocols for communicating short messages to the messaging centers, each messaging center can only receive messages sent by ESMEs 102 delivering messages according to a known protocol for that messaging center. If the destination of the ESME 102 message is a wireless device, the MCs 124 ₁–124 _(x) transmit the short messages to a wireless network having network nodes and network switching centers 128, 130. The wireless network includes a home location register 126, a mobile mobile switching center 132 and antennas in order to deliver the message using an over-the-air interface. The mobile receiving device, or wireless device 136, receives and displays the intended message to a user.

As the demand for messaging services increases, the number of messages delivered by message centers will also increase. The increased demand poses difficulties in scaling the message complex to handle numerous ESME 102 requests. Furthermore, non-standard ESMEs or ESMEs that do not recognize a messaging protocol for a phone number or pager number may be intended destinations or message sources for a message. This increases the complexity of the network requirements for delivering messages.

Having discussed MT messaging, we now turn to a discussion of messages that originate from a mobile device. These are referred to herein as mobile originated (MO) messages. Delivering MO messages, like MT messages, suffers from the probem discussed above wherein numerous interfaces are necessary for the variety of protocols used for the numerous teleservices. MO messages are transmitted from the mobile device through the wireless network to an MC 124 ₁–124 _(x). However, each mobile device transmits messages to its associated MC 124 ₁–124 _(x), wherein routing tables or a translation process are needed to route the message in the direction of the destination ESME. Many different messaging interfaces are necessary for transmitting the message from the MC 124 ₁–124 _(x) to an ESME 102.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is needed in the art is a single logical interface to the messaging complex. The single logical interface to the messaging complex according to the present invention is called a short messaging point-to-point (SMPP) gateway (SG) and will provide one consistent interface for ESMEs to request delivery of service. ESMEs will also be isolated from any knowledge of the underlying messaging complex or wireless network implementation. With this implementation of a standard interface, non-standard ESME's may be allowed to connect to a messaging complex and transmit short messages.

In order to address the needs in the art, the invention disclosed herein provides a single logical interface for all SMPP messages going to and from the Messaging Complex and eliminates the need for ESMEs to have any implementation knowledge of the Messaging Complex or wireless network. The invention provides routing from an ESME to the destination MC based on service being delivered and provides MC reconfiguration capability that does not require reconfiguration of ESMEs. The present invention also provides efficient scaling in the SG as traffic increases and achieves minimal delay in message delivery. The SG routing system minimizes or eliminates the modification of any parameters in SMPP messages and is configurable to support all SMPP message types.

In order to achieve the advantages of the present invention, the following system is proposed. To enable an ESME to submit messages for delivery to a wireless device. The first embodiment of the invention relates to mobile terminated (MT) messages. The system involves implementing an external interface to the messaging complex and enables all ESMEs to communicate with the messaging complex using a consistent standard interface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for allowing an external short message entity to submit a message to be delivered to a message-receiving device in a wireless network comprises an SG communicating with a plurality of messaging centers and communicating with a plurality of ESMEs. The ESME connects or “binds” to the SG and requests delivery of a message to a wireless device. The SG routes the request to an appropriate messaging center. The SG is configured such that any external short messaging entity need only to have knowledge of a single protocol for requesting delivery of messages from the SG.

The ESME also connects to the SG by submitting a bind request signal including a system identification, password and system type. The SG responds to the bind request with a bind response signal including a system identifier and an error message if a bind is not successful. If a bind is not successful, the bind response signal includes an error signal indicating why the bind was not successful.

An important feature of the invention is that the SG determines the routing method based on a service type. The SG communicates with a plurality of messaging centers and determines the routing method to a destination message center according to the service type. The routing method may be one chosen from a group comprising: message center specific, load balancing, MDN range, equal allocation, and ESN. Other routing methods may also be added, such as inter-carrier routing and multi-network routing methods. Accordingly, such routing methods for delivery of messages between different carriers and across different network technologies may also be within the scope of the present invention. These routing methods apply to both MO and MT messages.

The method according to the present invention enables an ESME to submit messages to be delivered to a wireless device. The method comprises requesting delivery of a service to a wireless device from an SG, routing the request to a message center according to a service type and a routing method, and delivering the request to a wireless network.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a system for transmitting short messages from a mobile station to an ESME. These are the so-called MO messages. This embodiment of the invention comprises a system for allowing a message source to submit a message to be delivered to a message-receiving device. The system comprises a short messaging point-to-point gateway communicating with a plurality of messaging centers. The messaging centers communicate with a wireless network associated with the message-originating source. The message source transmits the message to one of the plurality of messaging centers, and the one of the plurality of messaging centers requests from the SG delivery of a message to the message-receiving device. The SG routes the request to the messaging receiving device. The SG determines a routing method based on a service type. The short messaging point-to-point gateway is configured to inquire whether anti-spamming is enabled according to a service type. An anti-spam check of MT or MO messages is an attribute of the service type defined at the SG.

According to the embodiment of the invention related to MO messages, the message source connects to the one of the plurality of messaging centers by submitting a short message containing teleservice ID (TID), bearer data, source address and destination address. One of the plurality of messaging centers transmits a delivery short message signal to the SG. The SG determines a routing method based on a service type, cindluign ESME-specific, load balancing, equal allocation, destination IP address, and destination address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various embodiments of the invention may be understood with reference to the attached drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating the prior art architecture for delivering short messages through a messaging complex;

FIG. 2 illustrates the architecture of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows the process of an ESME binding to the SG;

FIG. 4 shows the process of the SG binding to MCs;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a mobile-terminated message flow;

FIG. 6 shows exemplary routing of a message based on the service type;

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a mobile-terminated message delivery flow;

FIG. 8 shows flow control between an ESME and the SG;

FIG. 9 shows a message delivery with anti-spam check process for mobile-originated messages;

FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram for anti-spam logic for both mobile-originated and mobile-terminated messages;

FIG. 11 shows a mobile-terminated message processing logic;

FIG. 12 shows a flow control message sequence for a scenario where the MC is congested and alternate MC's may or may not be available;

FIG. 13 illustrates a message flow for a mobile-originated message;

FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary message processing for a mobile-originated message;

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary message cancel process;

FIG. 16 shows a message replacement process;

FIG. 17 shows a check link status process;

FIG. 18 shows an alert notification process;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of message flow for an activation process; and

FIG. 20 shows an example of the hardware associated with the SMPP gateway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The first embodiment of the present invention comprises a system architecture for allowing external sources to connect using the short message point-to-point (SMPP) protocol and request delivery of short messages to wireless subscribers. In the context of this disclosure, an SMPP Router (SR) and SMPP Gateway (SG) may be considered the same apparatus. An overview of the system may be understood with reference to FIG. 2. In this disclosure, since a messaging complex and message center both may be shortened to “MC”, typically a message center will be shortened herein to “MC” to reduce any confusion. Message complexes are referred to using the full name.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system architecture 200 comprises at least one External Source of a Message Entity (ESME) 202. Each ESME is connected via a firewall 204 to a message complex 216, described in more detail below. Messages may also come from the Internet 206 via an ESME email hub 208. Other sources of ESMEs include an ESME Over-The-Air Activation Facility—OTAF 210, an ESME paging system such as the Teknow system 212 using Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF), Telocator Alphanumeric Paging Protocol (TAP), or TNPP protocols, or an ESME Voice Mail System (VMS) 214. The Teknow system 212 is a paging system that receives paging requests and forwards the request to the message center for delivery using the TNPP protocol. The Teknow interface may also use other protocols for delivery, such as SMPP or DTMF for tone encoding. The Comverse system 214 is a voice mail system that forwards voice mail waiting notifications to a gateway. Examples of the kinds of messages that may be sent from an ESME include weather reports, stock quotes and the like. The overall system according to the present invention may also be called an “SMPP Receivership.”

The SMPP Receivership 200 relies on implementing an external interface to the messaging complex 216. The messaging complex 216 comprises a plurality of messaging centers 224 ₁–224 _(x). The subscripts “1” through “x” with respect to the messaging centers indicates that there may be only one messaging center in the message complex 216 or as many as “x” messaging centers in the message complex 216. The interface uses SMPP over TCP/IP and allows all ESMEs 202 to communicate with the messaging complex 216 using a consistent standard interface. To accomplish this task, a SMPP Gateway (SG) 222 is introduced into the messaging complex 216 architecture. The ESMEs 202 know only about the SG 222 and have no knowledge of the underlying implementation of the messaging complex 216 or wireless network. Requiring ESMEs 202 to know only about the SG 222 eliminates the need for the message complex 216 to maintain knowledge of the underlying implementation or characteristics of the ESMEs 202.

The SG 222 receives a message delivery request and routes the message, based on service type and routing methods, to the appropriate message center MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for delivery to a wireless subscriber 236 in the wireless network. The wireless network includes a home location register 226, mobile switching center 232, base stations 234, and other standard wireless nodes 228 and 230. These nodes 228, 230 may be, for example, a mobile switching center, home location register, a mobile station and the like. The SMPP Receiver 200 does not communicate directly with these nodes.

One kind of message that may be transmitted through the SMPP Receiver 200 is a mobile terminated (MT) message. An MT message originates at an ESME 202 and is meant to be delivered to a wireless service subscriber or a wireless device 236. To achieve deliverance of a MT message, an ESME 202 connects to the SG 222 and requests delivery of a specific service to a specific wireless device or mobile station 236. The SG 222 routes the request to the appropriate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for subsequent delivery in the wireless network. The SG 222 maintains service to MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) relationships and routing rules. Responses from the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) are sent to the SG 222 and subsequently to the ESME 202.

Another type of message that may be transmitted on the system 200 includes a mobile originated (MO) message or service. This type of message originates with a mobile device 236 to be delivered to an ESME 202. For MO services, the SG 222 routes the message received from the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) to an ESME 202. The SG 222 maintains service to ESME 202 relationships and routing rules. Responses from the ESME 202 are sent to the SG 222 and subsequently to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

In addition to routing messages, spam control is desirable in the SMPP Receivor 200. The network element D2 220 is an enhanced version of a Detection of Undesirable E-mail (DUE) processor 218 that the SG 222 queries for spam control. The D2 220 may be a separate server or a module running on the DUE 218 or on the SG 222. The D2 220 is an enhanced spam control server or processor separate from the undesirable message detection server (DUE) 218. If the D2 220 is implemented as a separate server, then the functionality described herein is implemented according to hardware elements common to servers, such as a processor, memory, interface controls, etc. These elements are known to those of skill in the art and do not need to be further discussed herein.

According to the present invention, the standard DUE capability, for example from a DUE server 218, is enhanced to support queries from the SG 222. For MT messages, spam is defined as the number of MT delivery requests for a specific subscriber 236 exceeding a predefined number within a specific time interval. For example, spam for a particular service type may be defined as 20 delivery requests within three minutes. For MO messages, spam is defined as the number of MO delivery requests from a specific subcriber 236 exceeding a predefined number within a specific interval. The following list provides some of the major functions of the D2 220:

-   -   1. The D2 220 receives a query from the SG 222 containing the         service type, source address and destination address;     -   2. For MT service, the D2 220 updates its message delivery         request counters for the mobile destination number (MDN)         contained in the destination address parameter. If the number of         delivery requests have been exceeded for the time interval, then         D2 220 returns a status of ‘deny’. Otherwise, the D2 220 returns         a status of ‘allow’;     -   3. For MO service, the D2 220 updates its message delivery         request counters for the MDN contained in the source address         parameter. If the number of delivery requests have been exceeded         for the time interval, then the D2 220 returns a status of         ‘deny’. Otherwise, the D2 220 returns a status of ‘allow’; and     -   4. The D2 220 maintains a list of denied MDNs. If the MDN is on         the denied list, the D2 220 returns a status of ‘deny’.

According to the preferred mode of the first embodiment of the present invention, the following assumptions are made: Numerous ESMEs 202 will attach to the Messaging Complex 216; the ESMEs 202 may be wireless or non-wireless; the Messaging Complex 216 will consist of a number of physical MC platforms; the interface between ESMEs 202, MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), and SG 222 will be SMPP over TCP/IP; for capacity and redundancy purposes, a teleservice may be delivered by more than one MC 224 ₁–224 _(x); one MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) may deliver more than one teleservice; physical MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) platforms may be supplied by more than one vendor; Teleservice applications may be supplied by more than one vendor; teleservices will be delivered in a number portability environment; services, except for activations, will be mobile directory number (MDN) based; ESMEs 202 will communicate with the SG 222 using dedicated network connections; traffic between the ESMEs 202 and SG 222 may or may not travel over the Internet depending on the security desired; and two over-the-air-activation processor (OTAP) nodes will be required for activations.

The SG 222 supports protocol data units (PDUs) defined by the SMPP v 3.4 specification and is backwards compatible to older versions. The SG 222 also supports vendor-specific error codes returned in a command_(—)status parameter. These error codes include, for example: “Service Type Not Available” (0x00000410); “ESME Not Authorized for Service Type” (0x00000411); “Service Denied” (0x00000412); “Invalid Service Type” (0x00000413); “ESME Prohibited” (0x00000414); “Congestion” (0x00000400). These error code values are implemented using the block of error code values reserved for vendor-specific errors.

The SG 222 requires the introduction of the new SMPP error codes described in the following Table 1:

Command Status Description Conditions When Returned Service type not The SG determines that no MCs are available available to deliver the requested service. This could occur when all MC that deliver a specific service type are unavailable. For MT messages this error is returned by SG to ESME in: 1. Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp 2. Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp 3. Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp For MO messages this error is returned by the SG to MC in: 1. Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp 2. Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp ESME not authorized for The SG determines that the ESME is not service type authorized to request delivery of the service_(—)type specified in: 1. Submit_(—)SM 2. Submit_(—)Multi 3. Data_(—)SM For MT messages this error is returned by SG to ESME in: 1. Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp 2. Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp 3. Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp Service denied The SG determines that the message cannot be delivered because it failed anti-spam check. For MT messages this error is returned by SG to ESME in: 1. Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp 2. Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp 3. Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp For MO messages this error is returned by the SG to MC in: 1. Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp 2. Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp ESME Prohibited The ESME has been placed in prohibited state by administrative action at the SG. ESME Prohibited is returned if an ESME attempts to bind to the SG if while it has a state of prohibited at the SG. Congestion The MC returns Congestion when its inbound message queue exceeds a specific threshold. The congestion command_(—)status indicates that the ESME should invoke flow control.

Now we turn to a discussion of the binding process between ESMEs 202 and the SG 222. In order for an ESME 202 to request and deliver a message according to the present invention, the ESME 202 must “bind” to the SG 222. This process is illustrated in FIG. 3. The “bind” operation is comparable to logging into a computer system. The external system requests a session with the gateway by presenting an ID and a password. If the ID and password are successfully authenticated, a session is established between the gateway and the ESME 202. An ESME 202 binds to the SG 222 as a transmitter for mobile terminated (MT) services. A bind request (Bind_(—)Transmitter) includes the system_(—)id, a unique identifier for the ESME 202, password, and system_(—)type. System_(—)type identifies the type of service that the ESME 202 will deliver. The SG 222 verifies that the ESME 202 is authorized using system_(—)id, password, and system_(—)type. The MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) repond with a Bind_(—)Transmitter_(—)Resp signal including system_(—)id and MC signals. The system_(—)id identifies the SG 222. If a bind is not successful, the SG 222 returns the appropriate command_(—)status including Bind Failed, Invalid Password, and Invalid System ID.

An ESME 202 binds to the SG 222 as a receiver for mobile originating (MO) services using the Bind_(—)Receiver PDU. All other steps are the same as described in the Bind_(—)Transmitter signal above. In general, the response from a bind operation indicates whether the bind attempt was successful or the response is an error code describing the error that prevented the connection.

An ESME 202 binds to the SG 222 and all defined MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) configured for MT and MO services as a transceiver/receiver for interactive services using the Bind_(—)Transceiver PDU. All other steps are the same as described in the Bind_(—)Transmitter signal. At initialization, the SG 222 binds to all of the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) that it is configured to know about.

The SG 222 enables the introduction of a different binding concept from previous concepts. For MT messages, an ESME 202 binds to the SG 222. The SG 222 binds and maintains binds to many MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). The mapping of many binds from the SG 222 to MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for MT services and the mapping of many binds from the SG 222 to many ESMEs 202 for MO services is a critical functionality for the SG 222.

For MT services, the SG 222 mantains binds to many MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) while maintaining a single bind to the ESME 202. The ESME 202 does not need to know how or to which MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) to bind. The same concept applies in reverse to MO Messages. The SG 222 maintains binds to many ESMEs 202 while maintaining a single bind to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) does not need to know how or to which ESME 202 to bind. The many binds from the SG 222 to the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) are mapped for MT services and the many binds from the SG 222 to many ESMEs 202 are mapped for MO services. The communication between the ESME—SG—and MC is accomplished using TCP/IP for transport. The TCP/IP protocol transports the SMPP protocol messages.

The process of the SG 222 binding to the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) is illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the SG 222 maintains the availability status of each of the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) and attempts to rebind in case a bind is lost or fails. As discussed above, there are different binding methods for respective services available: MT service, MO service and MT and MO service.

The SG 222 populates the Bind_(—)Transmitter, Bind_(—)Receiver, and Bind_(—)Transceiver PDUs according to the bind parameters configured for the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 updates its internal routing tables to indicate the status of each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 also maintains an association between services and available MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). In this scenario, the SG 222 maintains a static reference between services and each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). In the preferred mode of the first embodiment of the invention, the SG 222 queries the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) to determine the services each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivers and their status. The SG 222 then preferably binds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). In another aspect of the invention, the SG 222 may bind to a service type, rather than to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

The binding process includes protocols for handling failed binding scenarios. For example, if a bind attempt between the SG 222 and an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) fails, the SG 222 may issue an alarm. The bind fail alarm, if provided, contains, at a minimum, MC system_(—)id, time, and bind failure reason. Additional information may be provided.

If an established bind between the SG 222 and an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) fails, the SG 222 issues an alarm. The bind lost alarm shall contain, at a minimum, MC system_(—)id, time, and bind loss reason if known. Additional information may also be provided.

If a bind attempt between the SG 222 and MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) fails, the SG 222 periodically attempts to establish the bind. If a bind between the SG 222 and a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is lost, the SG 222 periodically attempts to reestablish the bind. The SG 222 maintains a configurable bind retry interval. The bind retry interval applies to failed and lost binds. In the preferred embodiment, the bind retry interval has a resolution of 1 minute and a default value of 5 minutes. However, other values may be used as retry intervals or default values.

All bind attempts to MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), successful or unsuccessful, are logged in the event log. The minimum information provided includes time, MC system_(—)id, system type, and bind status. If bind status returns as “unsuccessful,” the failure reason is provided, along with other information if desired. Bind parameters for each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) are configured at the SG 222. A further discussion of the details of bind parameter provisioning is provided below.

It is necessary for the SG 222 to support ESMEs 202 and MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) operating at different SMPP interface version levels. For mobile terminated (MT) service, the level of service available in the wireless network is determined by the interface version available at the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). An ESME 202 should not be able to request services using an interface version that is not yet supported by the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If an ESME 202 binds to the SG 222 and requests message delivery at the SMPP interface version that is greater than the version supported at the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), the message is rejected at the SG 222. Basic backward compatibility rules apply. The SG 222 routes messages to the selected MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) only when the SMPP interface version of the selected MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is equal to or greater than the SMPP interface version of the originating ESME 202. The SG 222 rejects messages routed to the selected MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) when the SMPP interface version of the selected MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is less than the SMPP interface version of the originating ESME 202. The SG 222 then returns a System Error (0x00000008) error code to the originating ESME 202.

For mobile originated message service, if an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) requests message delivery at an SMPP interface version that is greater than the version supported at the destination ESME 202, the message is rejected at the SG 222. Basic backward compatibility rules apply. The SG 222 routes messages to the selected ESME 202 only when the SMPP interface version of the selected ESME 202 is equal to or greater than the SMPP interface version of the originating MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 rejects messages routed to the selected ESME 202 when the SMPP interface version of the selected ESME 202 is less than the SMPP interface version of the originating MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 in this case returns a System Error (0x00000008) error code to the originating MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

The message flow for a mobile terminated (MT) message is illustrated in FIG. 5. In the MT mode, the ESME 202 sends a Submit_(—)SM signal to SG 222. The service_(—)type parameter identifies the service to be delivered. The SG 222 invokes a routing method based on service_(—)type and routing method dependent parameters to select destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MT routing methods apply for ESME 202 to MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) communication and include such methods as MC specific, load balancing, MDN range, equal allocation and ESN. These will be discussed in more detail below. Using the appropriate routing method, a primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is first selected. If the primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not available, a secondary MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is selected.

FIG. 6 illustrates the routing based on service_(—)type. Each service type 452 has an associated routing method 454. The SG 222 determines a primary 456 or secondary 458 destination using the routing method, routing data 460, and parameters in the SMPP message. Service types are defined independently of the teleservice used to deliver the service. This approach allows service types to be created that are not identified by the underlying teleservice.

An ESME 202 requests delivery of a message for a specific service type. The SG 222 routes the message to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that delivers that service type. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) uses a specific teleservice type to deliver the message. With this approach new service types, from an ESME perspective, can be introduced without the introduction of new teleservices. Additional service types are configurable in the SG 222. Service types do not have be teleservice-specific as long as there is end-to-end continuity of service definition. For example, different priority CMT messages could be assigned different service types in the SG 222 and routed to MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) dedicated to high or low priority messages.

For example, the following service types could be defined in Table 2:

ESME Service Type Description SMS MT SMS SMS - high priority MT SMS given higher delivery priority SMS - MO MO SMS to e-mail address destination Information services Push information services. Potentially many variations of this service type. Telematics MT and MO telematics services. Potentially many variations of this service type. WAP Interactive services using WAP OAA Activations OAP Reprogramming

The routing methods described herein require that the message_(—)id parameter uniquely identify the message and the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that delivered the message. The message_(—)id parameter is intended to uniquely identify each message sent between the ESME 202 and an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). When a number of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) are used to deliver messages, it cannot be guaranteed that the message_(—)id returned by a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) will be unique across all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). To eliminate this ambiguity, each message passing through the gateway requires a unique message_(—)id. The message_(—)id must uniquely identify the message and the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that delivered it. A unique message_(—)id parameter that identifies both a message and message center is required to support Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, and Replace_(—)SM operations.

To support these operations it is necessary for the SG 222 to return a unique message_(—)id to the ESME 202 with each message submitted. The ESME 202 then can use the message_(—)id in these operations to uniquely identify the subject message. Several options are possible for providing a unique message_(—)id. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, option 1 below is chosen. These are:

-   -   1. Configure each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) so that it uses a specific         range for the message_(—)id. This will uniquely identify each         message and the message center that delivered it. The         message_(—)id is recycled within its defined range on each MC         224 ₁–224 _(x). Up to 65 octets are allowed for message_(—)id.

2. Have the SG 222 assign a unique message_(—)id to Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, and Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp. This could be accomplished by prepending a message center key to the message_(—)id returned to from the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). For example, a new message_(—)id MC_(—)key+MC message_(—)id.

The routing methods introduced above establish the rules used to route messages to a destination. Different routing rules are used for MT and MO messages. MT routing methods apply to ESME 202 to MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) routing. A MT service type can have one of the following routing methods shown in Table 3:

MC Specific Route all messages for this service type to a specific MC. Load Balancing Route messages to a group of MCs based on load capabilities of each MC in the group. Each MC in the group is allocated messages based on its capacity. MDN Range Route to a specific MC based on the MDN range of the destination address. The objective of this routing method is to provide deterministic routing for a group of MCs delivering a service that require Replace if Present (RIP). For RIP to be effective messages for the same destination must be routed to the same MC for delivery. Equal Allocation Route messages to a group of MCs based on sequentially sending messages to each MC in the group. Each MC in the group gets an equal number of messages. ESN For OATS use ESN to route to the destination MC.

The following Table 4 describes the SMPP PDUs and parameters used for each MT routing method.

SMPP Routing Parameters Used RIP Query Method SMPP PDUs for Routing Supported Supported MC Specific Submit_(—)SM -service_(—)type Yes Yes Data_(—)SM Submit_(—)Multi Load Submit_(—)SM -service_(—)type No Yes Balancing Data_(—)SM Submit_(—)Multi MDN Range Submit_(—)SM -service_(—)type Yes Yes Data_(—)SM -destination_(—)addr Submit_(—)Multi Equal Submit_(—)SM -service_(—)type No Yes Allocation Data_(—)SM Submit_(—)Multi ESN Submit_(—)SM -service_(—)type Yes Yes -short_(—)message

We first discuss the MC Specific routing method. The SG 222 routes all Submit_(—)SM; Data_(—)SM; or Submit_(—)Multi PDUs with the same service_(—)type to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC Specific routing method allows a primary and alternate destination MC to be defined, although definition of an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not mandatory. The MC Specific routing method routes the MT message to the primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) if the primary MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available. If the primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not available, the MC Specific routing method routes the MT message to the alternate destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

If both primary and alternate MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) are unavailable, the MC specific routing method responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Sumibt_(—)Multi-Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The Load Balancing routing method routes messages to a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on load capabilities of each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. Each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group is allocated messages based on its capacity. For example, Table 5 illustrates the proportioning of messages:

MC in Proportion of Messages Group Allocated MC-1 25% MC-2 50% MC-3 25% Total 100% 

The SG 222 provides a Load Balancing routing method for MT messages. The Load Balancing routing method routes Submit_(—)SM; Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDUs with the same service_(—)type to one of a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on the message allocation established for each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The Load Balancing routing method allows a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering the same service_(—)type to be defined. The group contains two or more MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). This routing method also allows the proportion of messages allocated to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group to be defined. The proportion is defined as a percentage of messages allocated to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

The Load Balancing routing method routes messages to each of the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the load balancing group based on proportion of messages allocated to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). Using the example above, if 100 messages are routed for a service type in some time interval, MC-1 will receive 25 messages, MC-2 will receive 50 messages and MC-3 will receive 25 messages. If an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in a Load Balancing routing method group becomes unavailable, the messages destined for the unavailable MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) are routed to the remaining MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). The messages are allocated to the remaining available MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on the remaining MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) allocation of total capacity. The allocation added to each remaining MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) equals the allocation lost/number remaining MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). Using the example above, suppose MC-3 becomes unavailable. Allocation added to each remaining MC=allocation lost/number of remaining MCs. Allocation added to each of the remaining MCs=25%/2 (=12.5%). MC-1 is now allocated 37.5% of the total (25%+12.5% from MC-3). MC-2 is allocated 62.5% of the total (50%+12.5% from MC-3).

If both primary and alternate MCs are unavailable, the Load Balancing routing method responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi-Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The MDN range routing method routes messages to a specific MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on the MDN range of the destination address. The objective of this routing method is to provide deterministic routing for a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering a service that requires guaranteed message delivery order or Replace If Present (RIP). For RIP to be effective, messages for the same destination must be routed to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for delivery. The MDN range routing method has two possible configurations:

First, a complete range of MDNs is defined for the MDN routing group (from 000–000 through 999–999). This is illustrated in Table 6:

MDN Range MDN Range Primary Alternate Low High MC MC 001–000 425–999 MC-1 MC-2 426–000 605–999 MC-2 MC-1 606–000 999–999 MC-3 MC-2

Second, an incomplete range of MDNs plus a Default MC is defined for the MDN routing group. Any destination_(—)address not within the defined MDN ranges is routed to the Default MC. In this example any destination_(—)address that is not in the 001–000 to 605–999 range is routed to the Default MC. This is shown by way of example in Table 7:

MDN Range MD Range Primary Alternate Low High MC MC 001–000 425–999 MC-1 MC-2 426–000 605–999 MC-2 MC-1 Default Default MC-3 MC-4

The MDN Range routing method routes all Submit_(—)SM; Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDUs with the same service_(—)type to one of a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on the value of the MDN in the destination_(—)addr parameter. The MDN Range routing method allows a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering the same service_(—)type to be defined. The group contains two or more MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x).

The MDN range used by the MDN Routing method is defined by a low and a high MDN value with a resolution of NPA-NXX. The MDN Range routing method allows MDN ranges to be assigned to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. It is possible to assign more than one MDN range to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MDN Range routing method does not allow overlapping MDN ranges to be defined for a specific service_(—)type.

The MDN Range routing method allows a Default MC to be defined. If the MDN received in the destination_(—)address parameter is not within the any of the MDN ranges defined for the group, the message is routed to the Default MC.

The SG 222 issues an alarm when a message is routed to the default MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The minimum information provided includes the time, service type, source ESME, destination_(—)address of message routed to the default MC, and the default MC. Other information may also be provided. The SG 222 logs all occurances of messages routed to the default MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The minimum information provided includes time, service type, source ESME, destination_(—)address of message routed to the default MC, and the default MC. Other information may be provided.

The MDN Range routing method for a specific service_(—)type does not become effective unless MDN range definition is complete and provides for routing of any MDN (from 000–000 through 999–999) or a Default MC is defined. The MDN Range routing method allows definition of an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for each MDN range.

If the primary MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for the MDN range is not available and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is defined and available, the MDN Range routing method routes messages to the alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If the primary MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for the MDN range is not available and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not defined or not available, the MDN Range routing method responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi-Resp PDUs, if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The equal allocation routing method routes messages to a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on sequentially sending messages to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. Each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group is sent an equal number of messages. The SG 222 provides an Equal Allocation routing method for MT messages. The Equal Allocation routing method routes all Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDUs with the same service_(—)type to one of a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on sequentially sending messages to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. The Equal Allocation routing method allows a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering the same service_(—)type to be defined. The group shall contain two or more MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x).

The equal allocation routing method sends an equal number of messages to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. One message is sent to each of the destination MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) before any destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is sent another message. If a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in an Equal Allocation routing method group becomes unavailable, messages destined for the unavailable MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) are routed to the remaining MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) within the group. If all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) in an equal allocation routing group become unavailable, the routing method responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi-Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

We now turn to an overview of the activation process for a mobile station 236. Activation requests are sent to an over-the-air-activation processor (OTAP) MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering the OATS teleservice. For activation, the destination_(—)address parameter in the Submit_(—)SM contains the mobile identification number (MIN) to be assigned to the MS 236. The short_(—)message parameter contains the ESN along with other activation data. Each MS 236 has a unique activation MIN that follows the standard NPA-NXX-XXX format: NPA is always 000; NXX-XXX is derived from the ESN. The MS 236 registers at the OTAP MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) using the activation MIN (not the MIN to be assigned to the MS). The OTAP MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) associates the activation MIN with the ESN received in Submit_(—)SM and subsequently sends the activation data to the MS 236. The following example describes how the activation MIN is derived from the ESN.

-   -   1. The ESN is 4 octets in length. The first octet is the         manufacture code and the remaining three octets are the ESN. For         example, a decimal ESN=12205092081 (D7 hex 7A EC F1 hex).     -   2. The manufacture code (D7 hex) is dropped leaving 7A EC F1         hex.     -   3. This value is converted to decimal: 7A EC F1 hex=8056049         decimal.     -   4. The least significant seven digits are used as the NXX-XXX         portion of the activation MIN. The least significant seven         digits of the ESN are appended to the activation NPA, 000,         resulting in an activation MIN of 0008056049.

The ESN routing method is used to route activation requests to two or more MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering the OATS teleservice. If two OATS MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) are used, then routing is based on the odd—even value of the decimal ESN. One MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives activation requests with even ESNs, one MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives activation requests with odd ESNs. If more than two OATS MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) are used, then routing is based on an ESN range assigned to each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. The ESN range is defined by the last two digits of the decimal ESN. This allows up to 100 MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) in a group. For example, Table 8 illustrates the ESN ranges:

MC in ESN Range ESN Range Group Low High OATS-1 00 33 OATS-2 34 67 OATS-3 68 99

The SG 222 provides an ESN routing method. The ESN routing method shall route Submit_(—)SM PDUs with the same service_(—)type to one of a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on the value of the ESN in the short_(—)message parameter. The ESN routing method shall allow a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering the same service_(—)type to be defined. The group shall contain two or more MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). The ESN routing method supports two routing options:

-   -   1. When an ESN routing group contains two OATS MCs 224 ₁–224         _(x), routing shall be based on the odd or even value of the         decimal ESN.     -   2. When an ESN routing group contains more than two OATS MCs 224         ₁–224 _(x), routing shall be based on the value of the last two         digits of the decimal ESN.

When the ESN routing group contains two MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), one MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is defined to receive activation requests containing even ESNs in the short_(—)message parameter and one MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is defined to receive activation requests containing—odd ESNs in the short_(—)message parameter. The requirements in the following paragraph apply only to routing to more than two MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x).

When the ESN routing group contains more than two MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), the ESN routing method requires an ESN range be defined for each destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group. The ESN range used by the ESN routing method is defined by a low and high value for the last two digits of the ESN. The ESN routing method does not allow overlapping ESN ranges to be defined for a specific service_(—)type. The ESN routing method for a specific service_(—)type shall not become effective unless the ESN range definition is complete and provides for routing of any ESN (last two digits from 00 through 99).

If the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for the ESN is not available, the ESN routing method responds to the ESME with a command_(—)status of service type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The column of Table 4 labeled Query Supported represents support for Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, and Replace_(—)SM operations. The Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, and Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp signals return a unique message_(—)id to the sending ESME 202 for each message submitted. The message_(—)id uniquely identifies the message and the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that sent the message. The ESME 202 populates the message_(—)id parameter in the Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, and Replace_(—)SM operations with the message_(—)id returned in the original submission. The Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, and Replace_(—)SM operations are discussed in more detail below. The SG 222 uses the message_(—)id to route the message to the correct MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) uses the message_(—)id and associated parameters received in the message to perform the requested operation.

To make most efficient use of MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) and wireless network resources, RIP are used by the ESME 202 when possible. To effectively implement RIP, all messages for the same service type and destination address (MDN) must be routed to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for delivery. If a pending message for the service type and destination address (MDN) is present, it is replaced with the new message. This is not a problem when only one MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivers a service. When a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivers the same service, the problem is determining which MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the group may contain a pending message that should be replaced by the current message. Several solutions are possible:

-   -   1. Allow all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) delivering a service to access a         shared database of pending messages. RIP could then be         implemented effectively by a group of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x).         Current MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) architecture does not support this         approach.     -   2. Establish a routing type at the SG 222 that routes a delivery         request to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) given service type and         destination address.

Routing by MDN range implements option two above. For example, a service type requiring RIP is delivered by multiple MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x). An NPA range is established, in the SG 222, for each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 routes messages to the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), based on service type and NPA of the destination address (MDN). Subsequent messages for the same service type and MDN are routed to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) using the MDN of the destination address. If RIP is requested and a message is pending, it is replaced at the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

With this routing method the MDN range has no significance to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) or in the wireless network; it is only used as a routing mechanism between the SG 222 and MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

We now turn to routing methods for mobile originated messaging. The MO routing methods apply for MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) to ESME 202 routing. A MO service type can have one of the following routing methods, illustrated in Table 9:

ESME Specific Route all messages for this service type to a specific ESME. Load Balancing Route messages to a group of ESMEs based on load capabilities of each ESME in the group. Each ESME in the group is allocated messages based on its capacity. Equal Allocation Route messages to a group of ESME based on sequentially sending messages to each MC in the group. Each ESME in the group gets an equal number of messages. Destination IP Route messages to destination based on IP address Address contained in destination_(—)address parameter of Delivery_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM. Destination Route message to a destination ESME based on the Address value of the destination_(—)addr parameter received in the Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs

The following Table 10 describes the SMPP PDUs and parameters used for each MO routing method.

SMPP Parameters Used for Routing Method SMPP PDUs Routing ESME Specific Deliver_(—)SM -service_(—)type Data_(—)SM Load Balancing Deliver_(—)SM -service_(—)type Data_(—)SM Equal Allocation Deliver_(—)SM -service_(—)type Data_(—)SM Destination IP Deliver_(—)SM -destination_(—)address Address Data_(—)SM -service_(—)type Destination Address Deliver_(—)SM -destination_(—)address Data_(—)SM -service_(—)type

For destination address routing, the destination_(—)address parameter contains the IP address of the destination ESME 202. The SG 222 routes to the ESME 202 using the IP address in the destination_(—)address parameter. Routing is subject to destination ESME 202 being bound and anti-spam check based on service_(—)type parameter.

For the ESME 202 specific routing method, the SG 222 routes all Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs with the same service_(—)type to the same ESME 202. The ESME Specific routing method allows a primary and alternate destination ESME 202 to be defined. Definition of an alternate ESME 202 is not mandatory. The ESME 202 Specific routing method routes the MO message to the primary destination ESME 202 if the primary ESME 202 is available. The ESME 202 Specific routing method routes the MO message to the alternate destination ESME 202 if the primary ESME 202 is not available. If both primary and alternate ESMEs 202 are unavailable, the ESME 202 specific routing method responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of service type not available in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an ESME because all the ESMEs defined to receive the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The Load Balancing routing method routes messages to a group of ESMEs 202 based on load capabilities of each ESME 202 in the group. Each ESME 202 in the group is allocated messages based on its capacity. Table 11 illustrates the message allocation:

ESME in Proportion of Messages Group Allocated ESME-1 25% ESME-2 50% ESME-3 25% Total 100% 

The SG 222 provides a load balancing routing method for MO messages. The load balancing routing method routes all Deliver_(—)SM or Data_(—)SM PDUs with the same service_(—)type to one of a group of ESMEs 202 based on the load allocation established for each ESMEs 202. The load balancing routing method allows a group of ESMEs 202 delivering the same service_(—)type to be defined. The defined group contains two or more ESMEs 202. The load balancing routing method allows the proportion of messages allocated to each ESME 202 in the group to be defined. The proportion is defined as a percentage of messages allocated to each ESME 202. The load balancing routing method further routes messages to each of the ESMEs 202 in the load balancing group based on proportion of messages allocated to each ESME 202.

Using the example above, if 100 messages are routed for a service type in some time interval, the ESME-1 will receive 25 messages, the ESME-2 will receive 50 messages and the ESME-3 will receive 25 messages. The load balancing routing method routes messages to each of the ESMEs 202 in the group based on the proportion of messages allocated to it. If an ESME 202 in a load balancing routing method group becomes unavailable, the messages destined for the unavailable ESME 202 are routed to the remaining ESMEs 202. The messages are allocated to the remaining available ESMEs 202 based on the remaining ESMEs 202 allocation of total capacity. The allocation added to each remaining ESME 202 equals the allocation lost/number of remaining ESMEs 202.

Using the example above, if the ESME-3 becomes unavailable, then the allocation added to each remaining ESME=allocation lost/number of remaining ESMEs. The result of the allocation added to each of the remaining ESMEs=25%/2 (=12.5%). ESME-1 is now allocated 37.5% of the total (25%+12.5% from ESME-3) and ESME-2 is allocated 62.5% of the total (50%+12.5% from ESME-3). If all ESMEs 202 in a load balancing routing group become unavailable, the routing method responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of service type not available in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an ESME 202 because all the ESMEs 202 defined to receive the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The SG 222 also provides for routing according to the equal allocation method. According to the equal allocation method, all Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs are routed with the same service_(—)type to one of a group of ESMEs 202 based on sequentially sending messages to each ESME 202 in the group. The equal allocation routing method allows a group of ESMEs 202 delivering the same service_(—)type to be defined. The group contains two or more ESMEs 202. The equal allocation routing method sends an equal number of messages to each ESME 202 in the group. One message shall be sent to each of the destination ESMEs 202 before any destination ESME 202 is sent another message. If all ESMEs 202 in an equal allocation routing group become unavailable, the routing method responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of service type not available in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an ESME 202 because all the ESMEs 202 defined to receive the service_(—)type are unavailable.

Another routing method is the destination IP address routing method. According to the destination IP address routing method, the SG 222 routes all Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs with the same service_(—)type to the address contained in the destination_(—)address parameter.

The destination address routing method differs from the destination IP address routing method as follows. The SG 222 provides a destination address routing method for MO messages. The destination address routing method routes all Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs with the same service_(—)type to a destination ESME 202 based on the value of the first four digits of the destination_(—)addr parameter. The first four digits of the destination_(—)addr parameter identify the ESME 202 to which the message should be routed. The destination address routing method allows destination address values to be assigned to an ESME 202. It is possible to assign more than one destination address value to an ESME 202. The destination address assigned to an ESME 202 is four digits in length. Valid destination address values are 0000 to 9999. The destination address routing method routes the Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs to the destination ESME 202 based on the value of the first four digits of the destination_(—)addr parameter received in the Deliver_(—)SM and Data_(—)SM PDUs.

The SG 222 maintains an association between the four-digit destination address value and an ESME 202. An example is shown in the following Table 12.

Destination address value ESME 0000 e-mail hub 1234 ESME A 1236 ESME B 1237 ESME B 2570 ESME C

Given the destination address to ESME 202 associations shown in the previous table, the following Table 13 shows example routings.

-destination_(—)addr Parameter Value Route To 0000xxxx e-mail hub 1234xxxx ESME A 1234x ESME A 2570 ESME C 7230 Return error code 1236xxxx ESME B 1237 ESME B

If the value received in the first four digits of the destination_(—)addr parameter does not correspond to any defined destination address values, the SG 222 returns an Invalid Dest Addr (0x00000000B) error code to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 issues an alarm when an Invalid Dest Addr (0x00000000B) error code is sent to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The minimum information provided includes time, service type, source MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), and destination_(—)addr of message. Other information may be provided.

The SG 222 logs all occurrences of an Invalid Dest Addr (0x00000000B) error code being sent to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The minimum information provided includes time, service type, source MC, and destination_(—)addr of message. Other information may be provided.

If the destination ESME 202 for the destination address is not available, the SG 222 responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an ESME 202 because all ESMEs 202 defined to receive the service_(—)type are unavailable.

Having discussed both the MT and MO routing methods, we now turn to a discussion of the message_(—)id parameter. The message_(—)id parameter is returned to an ESME 202 by the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) when a message is submitted for delivery. The message_(—)id value is used subsequently by the ESME in Query, Cancel, and Replace (QCR) operations. The SG 222 supports three message_(—)id mapping modes. These are summarized in the following Table 14:

-message_(—)id Mapping Mode Description Mode 1 - unique message_(—)id MC provides unique message_(—)id applied at MC values within a specific range. SG routes QCR PDUs based on message_(—)id range to MC mapping maintained at SG. Mode 2 - unique message_(—)id SG prepends a message center ID applied at SG value to message_(—)id parameter received from MC. SG routes QCR PDUs based on message center ID value mapping maintained at SG. Mode 3 - Query, Cancel, Replace The SG rejects all QCR PDUs. not supported at SG

When mode—1 message_(—)id mapping is selected, the SG 222 uses the provisioned MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) message_(—)id range to route Cancel_(—)SM, Replace_(—)SM, and Query_(—)SM PDUs to destination MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x).

If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) cannot provide unique message_(—)id values in response PDUs, the SG 222 will provide this function. This is accomplished at the SG 222 by prepending a unique message center ID (MCID) value to the message_(—)id value returned by the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, and Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs. The SG 222 also is required to remove the pre pended MCID values in Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, and Replace_(—)SM PDUs.

The modified message_(—)id will have the form of MCID+message_(—)id. Note that message ID mapping at SG 222 is only required to support Cancel_(—)SM, Replace_(—)SM and Query_(—)SM operations. The discussion below on MC Provisioning provides further details regarding the MCID, message ID mapping at SG 222, and MC message_(—)id range parameters.

The SG 222 provides a message ID mapping at SG master on/off setting for each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If message ID mapping at SG 222 is set to on for a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), then the SG 222 requires a unique MCID value be defined for that MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MCID values are unique to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If the message ID mapping at the SG 222 is set to off, then the SG 222 does not provide unique message_(—)id mapping for the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 assumes that the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) provides unique message_(—)id values as defined by the MC message_(—)id range parameter. The SG 222 provides a configurable MCID value for each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined at the SG 222. The MCID value is configurable between 001 and 999.

When the SG 222 receives a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDU and message ID mapping at SG 222 is set to on, then the SG 222 prepends the MCID value to the message_(—)id value returned from the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 then sends the response PDU containing the modified message_(—)id to the destination ESME 202. When the SG 222 receives a Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, or Replace_(—)SM PDU with a message center ID prepended to the message_(—)id, the SG 222 removes the MCID from the message_(—)id. The SG 222 then sends the PDU containing the message_(—)id (with MCID removed) to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

The SG 222 uses the MCID prepended to the message_(—)id in the Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, or Replace_(—)SM PDUs to route the PDU to the correct MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The PDU is routed to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) identified by the MCID. If the SG 222 receives a Query_(—)SM, Cancel_(—)SM, or Replace_(—)SM PDU with a message_(—)id without a MCID prepended, the SG 222 attempts to route the PDU using the MC message_(—)id range parameter provisioned for the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If the routing attempt fails, the SG 222 returns Service type not available error code to the originating ESME 202.

When message_(—)id mapping mode 3 is selected, Query, Cancel, and Replace PDUs are rejected at the SG 222. The SG 222 rejects these PDUs with the appropriate error code. When mode—3 message_(—)id mapping is selected, the SG 222 rejects (1) all Cancel_(—)SM PDUs with the Cancel_(—)SM Failed error code, (2) all Query_(—)SM PDUs with the Query_(—)SM Failed error code, and (3) all Replace_(—)SM PDUs with the Replace_(—)SM Failed error code.

The message_(—)id mapping mode is configurable at the SG 222. Mode one, two, or three may be selected.

We will next discuss the query, cancel, and replace commands. The SG 222 supports receiving Query_(—)SM and Query_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs. When the SG 222 receives a Query_(—)SM PDU, it routes the message to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) identified by the message_(—)id parameter. When the SG 222 receives a Query_(—)SM_(—)Resp, it routes the message to the originating ESME 202. If the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is unavailable or the message_(—)id parameter does not map to a known MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), the SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The SG 222 supports receiving Cancel_(—)SM and Cancel_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs. When the SG 222 receives a Cancel_(—)SM PDU with a message_(—)id value that is not null, it will route the message to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) identified by the message_(—)id parameter. When the SG 222 receives a Cancel_(—)SM_(—)Resp, it routes the message to the originating ESME 202. When the SG 222 receives a Cancel_(—)SM PDU with a message_(—)id value that is null, it routes the message to the MC based on the service_(—)type parameter. If the service_(—)type is defined with the MC Specific or MDN Range routing methods, the Cancel_(—)SM PDU is routed according to the rules of the routing method. If the service_(—)type is defined with any other routing method, the SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

If the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is unavailable or the message_(—)id parameter does not map to a known MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), the SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable.

The SG 222 supports receiving Replace_(—)SM and Replace_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs. When the SG 222 receives a Replace_(—)SM PDU, it routes the message to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) identified by the message_(—)id parameter. When the SG 222 receives a Replace_(—)SM_(—)Resp, it routes the message to the originating ESME 202. If the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is unavailable or the message_(—)id parameter does not map to a known MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), the SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable. The SG 222 also supports the Enquire_(—)Link and Enquire_(—)Link_(—)Resp PDUs, as well as the Alert_(—)Notification PDU, which the SG 222 routes using the esme_(—)addr parameter.

The SG 222 maintains the operation states of MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), ESMEs 202, and service types. The ESMEs 202 and service type may be disabled administratively. An ESME 202 may be prohibited from binding to the SG 222. A service type may be unavailable at the router because of administrative action or because all of the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) or ESMEs 202 that provide that service type are unavailable. The SG 222 monitors the operating state of all the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) that it is configured to route to. A MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) has states of available or unavailable. The available state indicates that the MC is operating normally. The unavailable state indicates that the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not available and no messages will be routed to it.

The SG 222 maintains the permission state of all ESMEs 202 that it is configured to route to. An ESME 202 contains states of allowed or prohibited. The allowed state indicates that the ESME 202 is permitted to bind to the SG 222 and send and/or receive messages. The prohibited state indicates that the ESME 202 is not permitted to bind to the SG 222. If an ESME 202 with a state of prohibited attempts to bind to the SG 222 the SG 222 responds with a command_(—)status of ESME Prohibited. If an ESME 202 is bound to the SG 222 and its state is changed to prohibited through administrative action, the SG 222 cancels the ESME's bind.

A service type may become unavailable for two reasons: First, all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) or ESMEs 202 delivering that service type become unavailable; and second, an administrator changes the state of service type to unavailable at the SG 222 to prohibit access to that service type. The SG 222 maintains the availability state of all service types to which it is configured to route. A service type has the states of available or unavailable. The available state indicates that the service type is available to ESMEs 202 (MT case) or MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) (MO case) for routing. The unavailable state indicates the service type is not available to ESMEs 202 (MT case) or MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) (MO case).

If a service type has a state of unavailable the SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to deliver the service_(—)type are unavailable for MT services. The SG 222 responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an ESME 202 because all ESMEs 202 defined to receive the service_(—)type are unavailable, for MO services.

All changes to Service Type, ESME, and MC provisioning parameters are logged in an event log. The minimum information provided includes time, user id of person making the change, previous parameter value, and new parameter value. Additional information may also be provided.

The SG 222 provides a user interface for service type provisioning and configuration reporting. At a minimum, the SG 222 provides the following configurable parameters for each service type as shown in Table 15:

Parameter Description Values Service type Identification of service Implementation specific type used in the service_(—)type parameter Service termination Termination type of MT or MO type the service Routing method Routing method for For MT services: service type 1. MC Specific 2. Load Balancing 3. MDN Range 4. Equal Allocation 5. ESN For MO services: 1. ESME Specific 2. Load Balancing 3. Equal Allocation 4. Destination IP  Address 5. Destination Address Anti-Spam Check Determines if all Yes or no required messages for this service type require an anti-spam check or not Anti-Spain Check If D2 is unavailable, 1. Allow all messages unavailable default the SG can either allow 2. Deny all messages action all messages for the service type or deny all messages for the service type until D2 becomes available. This parameter defines which action to take. Service type Service type availability Available or unavailable availability allows an operator to make a service type available or unavailable

MT services are only assigned MT routing methods. MO services are only assigned MO routing methods. For ESME 202 provisioning, the SG 222 provides a user interface for ESME 202 provisioning and configuration reporting. At a minimum, the SG 222 provides the following configurable parameters for each ESME 202 as shown in Table 16:

Parameter Description Values ESME system id ESME system Implementation specific identification corresponding to the system_(—)id parameter. ESME password Password for ESME Implementation specific corresponding to the password parameter. Authorized service List of services that the Implementation specific types ESME is authorized to request delivery of. These correspond to the service_(—)type parameter. Throttle control The throttle control Default = 1 msg/sec limit limit specifies the Minimum = 0.1 msg/sec maximum number of Maximum = 500 messages per second an msg/sec ESME is allowed to send to the SG. When this limit is exceeded, the SG invokes throttle for that ESME. ESME permission The ESME state allows Allowed or prohibited state an operator to allow or prohibit an ESME from binding to the SG.

For MC provisioning, the SG 222 provides a user interface for MC provisioning and configuration reporting. At a minimum, the SG 222 provides the following configurable parameters for each MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), shown in Table 17:

Parameter Description Values MC bind parameters As specified in SMPP Implementation specific 1. System_(—)id V3.4 protocol 2. Password specification. 3. System_(—)type 4. Interface_(—)version 5. Addr_(—)ton 6. Addr_(—)npi 7. Address_(—)range MC message_(—)id Each MC has a unique Implementation specific range range of values that are populated in the message_(—)id parameter. The SG must maintain a mapping of message_(—)id to MC to route query operations. MC availability MC availability allows Available or unavailable an operator to make a MC available or unavailable. Flow Control Gap Gap timer value for Minimum = 1 second Timer flow control when the Default = 60 seconds MC indicates Maximum = 600 congestion. seconds Message center ID A unique three digit Minimum = 000 (MCID) identifier associated Maximum = 999 with a MC for message_(—)id mapping at the SG. Message ID Determines if the SG On or Off mapping at SG does message id mapping for this message center.

We now turn to more details regarding anti-spamming according to the present invention. The D2 220 provides anti-spam check capability for MO and MT messages. For MT messages, spam is defined as the number of MT delivery requests for a specific MS 236 exceeding a predefined number within a specific time interval. For example, spam for a particular service type may be defined as 20 delivery requests within three minutes. For MO messages, spam is preferably defined as the number of MO delivery requests from a specific MS 236 exceeding a predefined number within a specific interval. Other variations on how spam is defined may be provided as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The following description is based on the following assumptions: (1) From the SG 222 perspective, the D2 220 provides MDN-based anti-spam check capabilities; (2) For MT messages from e-mail addresses, a source address anti-spam check will have been performed before the message is delivered to the SG 222; and (3) For performance and capacity purposes, it is preferably assumed that 100% of MO message require anti-spamming (AS) check and 50% of MT messages require AS check.

An interface between the SG 222 and the D2 220 will be used to perform the anti-spamming according to the present invention. With the details of the parameters and information disclosed herein, the appropriate interface between the SG 22 and the D2 220 may be implemented by those of skill in the art.

An exemplary anti-spam algorithm will next be described. The D2 220 contains a list of barred MDNs. A MDN becomes barred if:

-   -   1. The MT anti-spam threshold for the MDN is exceeded;     -   2. The MO anti-spam threshold for the MDN is exceeded; or     -   3. The MDN has been placed on the barred list by administrative         action.

The D2 220 provides a MT anti-spam threshold and a MO anti-spam threshold. The MT and MO anti-spam thresholds are configurable. Their configuration consists of a number of delivery requests and the associated time interval. When a MDN exceeds either anti-spam threshold (MT or MO), it is placed on the barred list for a specific period of time, which may be referred to as the barred interval. When the barred interval expires, the MDN is removed from the barred list. The barred interval is configurable, one value for MO and one value for MT with units of minutes, days, or permanent. The D2 220 allows a MDN to be manually added to or removed from the barred list. When a MDN is added to the barred list manually, the user is given the option of applying the currently defined barred interval or permanently barring the MDN.

The manner of performing an anti-spam check is next described. The D2 220 is capable of receiving an AS_(—)Check query populated with destination_(—)address, service_(—)type, and replace_(—)if_(—)present_(—)flag(RIP).

The RIP flag allows a message pending delivery at an MC to be replaced by a new message. For example, assume that a message for a specific MDN is pending delivery at the MC. A new message arrives for the MDN. Two actions are possible. First, the new message is added to the queue of messages for the MDN and, when available, the mobile receives all messages from the queue. Another possibility is to replace (RIP) the message, so that only one message is pending for a MDN at any one time. When combined with service type, RIP can be useful for delivering messages that are only valuable for a short period of time. For example, with weather reports, a subscriber would only want the most recent report, not all the ones that were missed. Therefore messages for this type of serice would use RIP. This also applies to messages used to program mobiles. E-mail messages would not use RIP because a subscriber wants to receive all of their e-mails, not just the most recent one.

The D2 220 checks if the MDN in destination_(—)address is on the barred list. If MDN is on the barred list, the D2 220 returns a “deny” in AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp. If the MDN is not on the barred list, the D2 220 returns an “allowed” in AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp. After receiving an AS_(—)Check query and sending an AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp, the D2 220 updates its MT anti-spam threshold counters for the MDN associated with the query. If the MT anti-spam threshold value is exceeded for the MDN, the D2 220 places the MDN on the barred list.

A mobile originated message anti-spam check is next described. The D2 220 is capable of receiving a AS_(—)Check query populated with destination_(—)address, service_(—)type, and source_(—)address. The D2 220 checks if the MDN in source_(—)address is on the barred list. If MDN is on the barred list, the D2 220 returns a “deny” in AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp. If the MDN is not on the barred list, the D2 220 returns an “allowed” in the AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp signal. After receiving an AS_(—)Check query and sending an AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp, the D2 220 updates its MO anti-spam threshold counters for the MDN associated with the query. If the MO anti-spam threshold value is exceeded for the MDN, the D2 220 places the MDN on the barred list.

The D2 220 does not require MDNs to be provisioned. The MDNs are added to the barred list based on queries received from the SG 222 or through administrative action.

A transaction is defined as receiving an AS_(—)Check query and responding with an AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp. The D2 220 is capable of scaling to meet future capacity requirements for anti-spam checking of MT, MO, and total messages, as described in the following Table 18:

Year MT TPS MO TPS Total TPS 1  27  1  28 2 135 15 150 3 439 56 495

The D2 220 provides a utility to configure and report MT anti-spam threshold, MO anti-spam threshold, MT barred interval, MO barred interval, MDNs on barred list, and MDNs placed on barred list manually. The D2 220 also provides a utility to manually add or remove a MDN from the barred list.

The mobile terminated (MT) message delivery protocol, with an anti-spamming check, is next described. The ESME 202 submits messages for MT delivery using Submit_(—)SM including service_(—)type and destination_(—)address (MDN). The SG 222 checks for the service_(—)type parameter in Submit_(—)SM. If the service type has anti-spam check enabled, the SG 222 sends an ‘AS_(—)Check’ message to the D2 220. The D2 220 checks the destination address, or mobile destination number (MDN) and service_(—)type against anti-spam thresholds. For example, a query may indicate that thresholds have not been exceeded. If this is the case, the D2 220 returns status of ‘allow’ to the SG 222. The SG 222 routes the Submit_(—)SM signal to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) returns a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the SG 222. The SG 222 also returns a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the ESME 202. The D2 220 then sends an Update signal to DUE Server 218 to update its anti-spam counters. The DUE Server 218 responds to the D2 220 with an Update_(—)Resp signal containing the new status.

The MT message delivery protocol for an unsuccessful anti-spam check is next described. The ESME 202 submits a message for MT delivery using the Submit_(—)SM signal including service_(—)type and destination_(—)address. The SG 222 checks the service_(—)type parameter in the signal Submit_(—)SM. If the service type has anti-spam check enabled, the SG 222 sends an ‘AS_(—)Check’ message to the D2 220. Parameters include service_(—)type and destination_(—)address (MDN). The D2 220 checks the MDN and service_(—)type against anti-spam thresholds. If a query indicates that thresholds have been exceeded, the D2 220 returns status of ‘deny’ to the SG 222. The SG 222 sends a Submit_(—)SG_(—)Resp signal with command_(—)status set to ‘service denied’ to the ESME 202. The D2 220 sends an Update signal to the DUE Server 218 to update its anti-spam counters. Finally, the DUE Server 218 responds to D2 220 with an Update_(—)Resp signal that contains a status.

FIG. 7 illustrates the communication between an ESME 202, SG 222 and MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) for MT message delivery. An ESME 202 sends a Submit_(—)SM signal to the SG 222. The service_(—)type parameter identifies the service to be delivered. The SG 222 invokes routing method based on service_(—)type and routing method dependent parameters to select destination MC. The primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is selected. If primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not available, a secondary MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is selected. If no MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x), are available to deliver the service, the SG 222 returns a new error ‘service type not available’ in command_(—)status. The SG 222 sends Submit_(—)SM to destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) replies with a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal. The message_(—)id parameter uniquely identifies the message and the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that sent the message. The SG 222 sends Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the ESME 202.

The replace_(—)if_(—)present_(—)flag (RIP) parameter is an optional parameter in Submit_(—)SM and Submit_(—)Multi. If the RIP option is included, the ESME 202 may send a Submit_(—)SM or Submit_(—)Multi signal to the SG 222 with replace_(—)if_(—)present_(—)flag set to ‘Replace’.

A message that includes the RIP flag indicates that this message should replace any message pending (for a specific mobile) delivery at the MC. If a message is received with the RIP flag set and a message is pending at the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), the existing message (if there is one) is replaced. In this manner, the old or existing message is deleted. Therefore there is only one message pending for a mobile at any one time.

For the RIP operation to work appropriately in the context of the present invention, the message must be routed using a deterministic routing method. A deterministic routing method is one that routes messages with the same service type and destination address to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). All messages for the same service type and destination address must route to the same destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) so it can be determined at the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) if a message is pending and needs to be replaced as specified by the RIP flag.

The SG 222 invokes a routing method such that a message is delivered to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received the message. The primary destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is selected. Some routing methods do not support RIP. If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received the message is not available, then the message is sent to the secondary MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined for the service. The original message will not be replaced. However, the new message will be delivered. Thus, the subscriber may receive the same message twice. All other steps are the same as described above.

The message flow for Data_(—)SM is the same as for Submit_(—)SM described previously. The RIP is not a valid parameter in the Data_(—)SM parameter. The Data_(—)SM parameter may be used for interactive services.

MT service using the parameter Submit_(—)Multi will now be described. An ESME 202 may use Submit_(—)Multi specifying up to 254 destination addresses. The dest_(—)address(es) parameter contains either the destination addresses or a Distribution List Name. The distribution list name is a file containing the destination addresses. The Message flow for Submit_(—)Multi is the same as for Submit_(—)SM described previously. RIP is a valid parameter in Submit_(—)Multi. Routing is based on the first destination address in the dest_(—)address(es) parameter. For this approach to support RIP, the destination address list must be in the same order for each message to get routed to the correct MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). To support the distribution list, name-only routing to a specific MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is supported.

The present invention protects the MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) and wireless network from undesirable or abusive messaging practices by providing address flow control and anti-spam checking. The objective of flow control is to protect the messaging complex 216 and wireless network from undesirably high MT message traffic. Each ESME 202 has a maximum number of messages it is authorized to send to the SG 222 in a specific period of time. If the limit is exceeded, service is temporarily suspended. All messages received from the ESME 202 during the suspension period are rejected with a command_(—)status indicating throttling.

The objective of anti-spam checking is to protect the messaging complex 216 and wireless network by prohibiting an unreasonably high number of messages from being sent to or received from a specific MS 236 in a short period of time. If the number of messages sent to or received from a specific MS 236 in a specific time interval is exceeded, then subsequent message delivery requests for that MS 236 are rejected for a configurable time interval.

Flow control may also be applied to MT services. Anti-spam is preferably applied to MT and MO services. For each service type, the SG 222 maintains a flow control limit and anti-spam check (ASC) required parameter. The flow control limit is the maximum number of messages that an ESME 202 is allowed to send to the SG 222 in a specific time interval. The ASC parameter identifies whether messages for the service type require anti-spam check.

The present invention provides MT flow control between an ESME 202 and the SG 222. This is illustrated in FIG. 8. The ESME 202 sends Submit_(—)SM to the SG 222. The SG 222 determines that ESME 202 has exceeded its flow control limit. The SG 222 returns Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp with command_(—)status set to existing error code ‘Throttling error—ESME has exceeded allowed message limits’. Any SMPP message received from the ESME 202 during the suspension interval is rejected with the same throttling error message.

Regarding anti-spamming, the existing Detect Undesirable Email (DUE) capability is enhanced to support queries from the SG 222. This capability is referred to herein as the D2 220. For MT messages, spam is defined as the number of MT delivery requests for a specific MS 236 exceeding a predefined number within a specific time interval. For example, spam for a particular service type may be defined as 20 delivery requests within three minutes. For MO messages, spam is defined as the number of MO delivery requests from a specific MS 236 exceeding a predefined number within a specific interval.

The major functions of the D2 220 are: (1) Receive a query from the SG 222 containing the service type, source address and destination address; (2) For an MT service, the D2 220 updates its message delivery request counters for the MDN contained in the destination address parameter. If the number of delivery requests have been exceeded for the time interval, then the D2 220 returns a status of ‘deny’. Otherwise, the D2 220 returns a status of ‘allow’; (3) For an MO service, the D2 220 updates its message delivery request counters for the MDN contained in the source address parameter. If the number of delivery requests have been exceeded for the time interval, then the D2 220 returns a status of ‘deny’. Otherwise, the D2 220 returns a status of ‘allow’; and (4) the D2 220 maintains a list of denied MDNs. If the MDN is on the denied list, the D2 220 returns a status of ‘deny’.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary protocol for communicating between an ESME 202, SG 222, D2 220, MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) and MSC 232 for a mobile originated message where the system has an anti-spam check. We will first discuss an example of when the anti-spam check is successful. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives an SMDPP signal for MO teleservice for delivery beyond the wireless network. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends Deliver_(—)SM including service_(—)type and source_(—)address parameters to the SG 222. The SG 222 checks service_(—)type parameter in Deliver_(—)SM. If service_(—)type has anti-spam check enabled, the SG 222 sends an ‘AS_(—)Check’ message to the D2 220. Parameters include service_(—)type and source_(—)address (MDN). The D2 220 checks the MDN and service_(—)type against anti-spam thresholds. Assume for this example that a query indicates that thresholds have not been exceeded. The D2 220 returns status of ‘allow’ to the SG 222. The D2 220 updates counts for MDN and service_(—)type based on data received in AS_(—)Check and time received. The SG 222 routes a Deliver_(—)SM signal to the destination ESME 202. The ESME 202 returns a Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the SG 222, which returns the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

Next, we will discuss the example process when the anti-spam check was unsuccessful. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives the SMDPP signal for MO teleservice for delivery beyond the wireless network. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends a Deliver_(—)SM signal including service_(—)type and source_(—)address parameters to the SG 222. The SG 222 checks service_(—)type parameter in Deliver_(—)SM. If the service type has anti-spam check enabled, the SG 222 sends ‘AS_(—)Check’ message to the D2 220. The parameters sent include service_(—)type and source_(—)address (MDN). The D2 220 checks source address (MDN) and service_(—)type against anti-spam thresholds. Assume that a query indicates that thresholds have been exceeded. The D2 220 returns status of ‘deny’ to the SG 222. The D2 220 updates counts for MDN and service_(—)type based on data received in AS_(—)Check and time received. The SG 222 sends a Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal with command_(—)status set to ‘service denied’ to MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

A combination flow control and anti-spam logic 400 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The logic 400 of FIG. 10 applies for both MT and MO messages. For an MT message, the SG 222 receives the MT message (404) and inquires whether the flow control limit is exceeded for the sending ESME (406). If yes, the SG 222 rejects the message and transmits a message that the flow control limit is exceeded (408). If the flow control limit for the ESME 202 is not exceeded (406), the process inquires whether the anti-spam procedure is enabled for that service type (410). If yes, an anti-spam query is sent to the D2 (412) and an anti-spam status is returned. If the anti-spam status is not allowed (414), the message is rejected and a response is provided that the anti-spam limit is exceeded and service is denied (416). If the anti-spam status is allowed, then the message is routed to the destination MC (418).

For a MO message received by the SG 402, the logic proceeds to step 410, and queries whether the anti-spam service is enabled for the service type 410. If yes, an anti-spam query is sent to D2 (412) and an anti-spam status is returned. If the anti-spam status is not allowed (414), the message is rejected and a response is provided that the anti-spam limit is exceeded and service is denied (416). If the anti-spam status is allowed, then the message is routed to the destination MC (418).

The MT message processing logic 300 at the SG 222 is shown with reference to FIG. 11. The performance requirements for MT message processing logic are that the ST 222 has a response time of 100 ms if no D2 220 query is required. The response time is defined as the time between receiving a PDU and subsequently routing and sending the PDU to its destination. The SG 222 also imposes not more than 125 ms latency if a D2 220 inquiry is required. Latency for this purpose is defined as the time between receiving a PDU and subsequently routing and sending the PDU minus the D2 220 response time.

FIG. 11 is intended to describe the required message processing logic and not to dictate specific implementation details. When the SG 222 receives (302) a Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDU from an ESME 202, it checks the bind state (304) of the sending ESME 202. If the ESME 202 is not bound, the SG 222 rejects the message (306) and returns the appropriate error code in the response PDU (342). The SG 222 then waits for the next message 348. If the ESME 202 is bound, when the SG 222 receives a Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDUs from an ESME 202, it verifies that the ESME 202 is authorized to request delivery of the service identified by the service_(—)type parameter (308). If the ESME 202 is not authorized to request delivery of the service identified by the service_(—)type parameter, the SG 222 rejects the message and responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of ESME Not Authorized for Service Type in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi Resp PDUs (310). Then the SG 222 waits for the next message (348).

ESMEs 202 are allowed to send messages to the SG 222 at a maximum rate. Messages in excess of the maximum rate are subject to throttle control by the SG 222. Throttle control enables the receivership 200 to control the messaging traffic through the system according to the system capabilities and available resources. A sliding window algorithm is used to limit an ESME 202 to a maximum message delivery rate. When the SG 222 receives a PDU from an ESME 202, it verifies that the ESME 202 has not exceeded its authorized throttle control limit (312). If the ESME 202 exceeds its throttle control limit, the SG 222 rejects the message and responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Throttling Error (ESME has exceeded allowed message limits) in the response PDU (314, 342). The SG 222 then waits for the next message. All messages received from an ESME 202 in excess of the throttle control limit are rejected by the SG 222 with a command_(—)status of Throttling Error. None of the excess messages are routed to a destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The message flow diagrams according to FIG. 11 may also apply to the Submit_(—)Multi and Data_(—)SM PDUs.

The SG 222 logs all throttle control events to the event log. The minimum information provided includes time, ESME 202 subject to throttle control, number of messages rejected, and throttle control limit. Additional information may also be provided.

The SG 222 may issue an alarm at step 314 when throttle control is invoked for an ESME 202. The ESME 202 flow control alarm contains, at a minimum, time, ESME 202 subject to throttle control, number of messages rejected, and throttle control limit, plus other information if desired.

The logic process shown in FIG. 11 also involves an anti-spam check. The AS_(—)Check and AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp are logic messages exchanged between the SG 222 and the D2 220. When the SG 222 receives a Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDU from an ESME 202 with a service_(—)type defined to require an anti-spam check (316), the SG 222 sends an AS_(—)Check request (318) to the D2 220. For MT services, the AS_(—)Check query contains the service_(—)type, source_(—)addr (if present), destination_(—)addr, and replace-if-present indicator. If the AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp (320) has a value of deny, the SG 222 shall reject the message and respond to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Denied in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi Resp PDUs (322). If the AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp (320) has a value of allow, the SG 222 routes the Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDU to the destination MC (324).

If the D2 220 is unavailable, the SG 222 applies the anti-spam unavailable default action defined for the service type. The default action defined for each service type can be set to allow or deny. If set to allow, then all messages requiring an Anti-Spam check are routed to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) when the D2 220 is unavailable. If set to deny, then all messages requiring an Anti-Spam check are rejected with a command_(—)status of Service Denied.

If the D2 220 is unavailable and the anti-spam unavailable default action defined for the service type is set to allow, the SG 222 routes all messages requiring an AS_(—)Check as if the AS_(—)Check Resp returned allow (320, 324). If the D2 220 is unavailable and the anti-spam unavailable default action defined for the service type is set to deny, the SG 222 routes all messages requiring an AS_(—)Check as if the AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp returned deny (320, 322).

The SG 222 logs all D2 220 outages to the event log. The minimum information provided includes time and reason for outage, plus additional information if desired. The SG 222 may issue an alarm when the D2 220 becomes unavailable. The D2 220 unavailable alarm contains, at a minimum, time and reason for outage, plus additional information may be provided.

The SG 222 issues a clearing alarm when the D2 220 becomes available. The minimum information provided includes time and indication that the D2 220 is available. Additional information may be provided. The SG 222 logs when the D2 220 becomes available after an outage. The minimum information provided shall include time and indication that D2 220 is available, plus additional information may be provided.

If the MT message successfully completes bind check, service authorization check, throttle control check, and anti-spam check, the SG 222 invokes the routing method (324) for the service identified by the service_(—)type parameter. The SG 222 sends the Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi PDU to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) identified by the routing method to determine whether the identified MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available for the service type (326). The SG 222 receives the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDU from the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) and subsequently sends it to the originating ESME 202 unaltered. The SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) because all MCs 224 ₁–224 _(x) defined to delivery the service_(—)type are unavailable (328). The SG 222 issues an alarm when a MT Service Type is not available (328). The minimum information provided in the alarm includes the time, Service Type, and indication that MT Service Type is unavailable, plus other information may be provided.

The SG 222 logs when a MT Service Type becomes unavailable. The minimum information provided includes the time, Service Type, and indication that MT Service Type is unavailable. Other information may be provided. The SG 222 issues a clearing alarm when a MT Service Type becomes available. The minimum information provided includes the time, Service Type, and indication that MT Service Type is available plus other information.

The SG 222 also logs when a MT Service Type becomes available. The minimum information provided includes time, Service Type, and indication that MT Service Type is available and optionally other information. The SG 222 logs all occurrences of when the Service Type Not Available command_(—)status is returned to an ESME 202 (MT service type not available). The minimum information provided includes time, service type that could not be routed, and source ESME. Other information may be provided. The SG 222 responds to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status of Invalid Service Type in the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp PDUs if the service_(—)type parameter contains an unrecognized or undefined service type value.

If the identified MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available for the service type (326), the process includes inquiring whether the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is subject to flow control and whether no alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available (330). If yes, the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is subject to flow control and no alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available, and if congestion exists, the message is rejected (332) and a response is sent back (342) to the originating ESME 202. The SG 222 then waits for the next message (348). If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is subject to flow control and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available (330), the message is routed to the destination MC (334). A response from the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is sent (344). An MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) can initiate flow control by returning a command_(—)status of Congestion (346). If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) response indicates congestion (346), and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available (336) for the service type, the SG 222 will route the message to the alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) as the destination MC (334). If an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not available (336), the SG 222 returns the Congestion command_(—)status to the originating ESME 202 and invoke flow control (338). The message is rejected due to congestion at the MC (340). A response is sent back (342) to the originating ESME 202 and the SG 222 waits for the next message (348). Flow control in this case is described more fully below in connection with FIG. 12.

If no test for congestion is desired, then step 346 shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted. In this case, the down-stream processes 336, 338 and 340 may be removed from FIG. 11 since following the received response from the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) in step 344, the process proceeds directly to sending a response signal to the originating ESME 202 in step 342.

FIG. 12 illustrates in more detail the flow control message sequence discussed above in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 shows two scenarios: (1) an MT message, with a congested MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) and no alternative MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) available and (2) an MT message, the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is congested, and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) available. We will begin with the first scenario. The ESME 202 submits a message for MT delivery using Submit_(—)SM including service_(—)type and destination_(—)address. The SG 222 routes Submit_(—)SM to destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) returns Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp to SG 222 with command_(—)status of congestion. No alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is defined or available for the service_(—)type. The SG 222 returns a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the ESME 202 with a command_(—)status indicating congestion. The SG 222 invokes flow control for the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that returned the command_(—)status indicating congestion. The SG 222 returns command_(—)status of Congestion for all messages received while MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is subject to flow control. Next, suppose that the congestion at the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) abates. Then, flow control is discontinued at MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) and normal message routing resumes.

When flow control is invoked, the SG 222 waits for a predefined gap interval, defined by a gap timer, before sending another message to a congested MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). Flow control remains in effect as long as the receiving MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) returns a Congestion command_(—)status. If message delivery to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is successful, indicated by a command_(—)status other than Congestion, flow control is discontinued. While flow control is in effect for a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), all messages received by the SG 222 that would be routed to that MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receive a response command_(—)status of congestion. This indicates to the ESME 202 to invoke its flow control algorithm.

The SG 222 will return a command_(—)status of Congestion indicating that the ESME 202 should invoke flow control under the conditions described in Table 19:

MT Routing RIP Method Supported Congestion Indication Returned to ESME MC Specific Yes 1. If primary MC invokes flow control and no alternate MC is defined. 2. If both primary and alternate MC (if defined) concurrently invoke flow control. Load No 1. If all MCs in group invoke flow control Balancing concurrently. MDN Range Yes 1. If primary MC for MDN range invokes flow control and no alternate MC is defined. 2. If both primary and alternate MC (if defined) concurrently invoke flow control. Equal No 1. If all MCs in group invoke flow control Allocation concurrently. ESN Yes 1. If primary MC invokes flow control and no alternate MC is defined. 2. If both primary and alternate MC (if defined) concurrently invoke flow control.

Next, we will discuss the second scenario where an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is available. In this case, the ESME 202 submits message for MT delivery using Submit_(—)SM including service_(—)type and destination_(—)address. The SG 222 routes Submit_(—)SM to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) returns Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the SG 222 with command_(—)status indicating congestion. An alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is defined and available for the service_(—)type. The SG 222 routes the Submit_(—)SM to the alternate destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The alternate destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) returns a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the SG 222 indicating message accepted. The SG 222 returns Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the ESME 202.

When the SG 222 receives a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp with a command_(—)status of Congestion and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is defined and available for the service type, the SG 222 routes the message to the alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). When the SG 222 receives a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp, Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp, or Submit_(—)Multi_(—)Resp with a command_(—)status of Congestion and an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not defined or available for the service type, the SG 222 returns the Congestion command_(—)status response to the ESME 202. The SG 222 invokes flow control for the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The SG 222 starts a gap timer when flow control is invoked for a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). While the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is subject to flow control while the gap timer has not expired, the SG 222 does not route any messages to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). While the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is subject to flow control while the gap timer has not expired, the SG 222 responds to all messages routed to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of Congestion. When the gap timer expires, the next message received for the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is sent to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) responds with Congestion in the response command_(—)status, flow control continues. If the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) responds with a command_(—)status other than congestion, flow control is discontinued.

The SG 222 issues an alarm when flow control is invoked for an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) flow control invoked alarm contains, at a minimum, time, MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) subject to flow control, whether messages were routed to an alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) (if alternate MC is defined), or if congestion indication was returned to originating ESME 202. Additional information may be provided. The SG 222 logs when flow control is invoked for a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The minimum information provided includes time, MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) subject to flow control, whether messages were routed to alternate MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) (if alternate MC is defined), or if congestion indication was returned to originating ESME 202. Additional information may be provided.

The SG 222 issues an alarm when flow control is discontinued for an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) flow control discontinued alarm contains, at a minimum, the time, MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) subject to flow control, duration flow control was in effect, and number of messages rejected during flow control. Additional information may be provided. The SG 222 logs when flow control is discontinued for a MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The minimum information provided includes time, MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) subject to flow control, duration flow control was in effect, and number of messages rejected during flow control. Additional information may be provided.

FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary message processing for a MO message. FIG. 13 shows three different scenarios: (1) An MO message with no anti-spam; (2) an MO message with anti-spam check successful; (3) an MO message with anti-spam check unsuccessful.

We first discuss an MO message with no anti-spamming performed. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives a SMDPP signal containing a MO message. The SMDPP contains the TID, bearer data, source address, and destination address. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends Deliver_(—)SM message to the SG 222 and the SG 222 invokes a routing method based on service_(—)type and destination_(—)addr to select a destination ESME 202. If no ESMEs 202 are available to deliver the service, the SG 222 returns an error of ‘service type not available’. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) then resends the message to the SG 222 at a later time. The SG 222 sends Deliver_(—)SM to the destination ESME 202. The destination ESME 202 replies with Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal. The SG 222 sends a Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The replace_(—)if_(—)present_(—)flag parameter is not used in Deliver_(—)SM; therefore the RIP option may not be available for MO messages.

The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) may use Data_(—)SM for delivering MO messages to the SG 222. Message flow for Data_(—)SM is the same as for Delivery_(—)SM described previously. RIP is not a valid parameter in the Data_(—)SM signal.

Next, we discuss the MO message delivery when the anti-spam check is successful. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives a SMDPP for MO teleservice for delivery beyond wireless network. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends Deliver_(—)SM including service_(—)type and source_(—)address parameters to the SG 222. The SG 222 checks service_(—)type parameter in Deliver_(—)SM. If service type has anti-spam check enabled, the SG 222 sends ‘AS_(—)Check’ message to the D2 220. Parameters include service_(—)type and source_(—)address (MDN). The D2 220 checks source address (MDN) and service_(—)type against anti-spam thresholds.

A query may indicate that thresholds have not been exceeded. The D2 220 returns status of ‘allow’ to the SG 222. The SG 222 routes Deliver_(—)SM to the destination ESME 202. The ESME 202 returns Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the SG 222. The SG 222 returns to Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp to MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The D2 220 sends Update to DUE Server 218 to update its anti-spam counters. The DUE Server 218 responds to D2 220 with Update_(—)Resp containing status.

Finally, with FIG. 13, we discuss the scenario where a MO message delivery occurs with the anti-spam check unsuccessful. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) receives an SMDPP for MO teleservice for delivery beyond the wireless network. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends Deliver_(—)SM including service_(—)type and source address parameters to the SG 222. The SG 222 checks service_(—)type parameter in Deliver_(—)SM. If service type has anti-spam check enabled, the SG 222 sends ‘AS_(—)Check’ message to the D2 220. Parameters include service_(—)type and source_(—)address (MDN). The D2 220 checks the MDN and service_(—)type against anti-spam thresholds. A query may indicate that thresholds have been exceeded. The D2 220 returns status of ‘deny’ to the SG 222. The SG 222 sends Deliver_(—)SG_(—)Resp with command_(—)status set to ‘service denied’ to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The D2 220 sends an Update to DUE Server 218 to update its anti-spam counters. The DUE Server 218 responds to D2 220 with Update_(—)Resp containing status. The message flow shown in FIG. 13 also applies to Data_(—)SM PDU.

MO message processing logic 500 at the SG 222 is shown in FIG. 14. When the SG 222 receives a Deliver_(—)SM or Data_(—)SM PDU from an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x), it checks the bind state (504) of the sending MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not bound, the SG 222 rejects the message (506) and indicates that the ESME 202 is not bound in the response to the originating MC (526). An appropriate error code is included in the response PDU. The SG 222 then waits for the next MO message (528).

When the SG 222 receives a Deliver_(—)SM or Data_(—)SM PDU 502 from an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a service_(—)type configured to require an anti-spam check (508), the SG 222 sends an AS_(—)Check request to the D2 (510). For MO service types, the AS_(—)Check query is populated with destination_(—)address, service_(—)type, and source_(—)address parameters. If the AS_(—)Check_(—)Resp has a value of deny (512), the SG 222 rejects the message (514) and responds to the MC (526) with a command_(—)status of Service Denied in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs. The SG 222 waits for the next MO message (528).

If the MO message successfully completes bind check (504) and anti-spam check (512)(the anti-spam status is “allowed”), or if the anti-spam service is not enabled for the service type (508), the SG 222 invokes the routing method (516) for the service identified by the service_(—)type parameter. The SG 222 determines whether an ESME 202 is available for the service type (518). The SG 222 sends the Deliver_(—)SM or Data_(—)SM PDU to the ESME 202 identified by the routing method. The SG 222 receives the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDU from the destination ESME 202 and subsequently sends it to the originating MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) unaltered. The SG 222 responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of Service Type Not Available in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the SG 222 cannot route a message to an ESME 202 because all ESMEs 202 defined to receive the service_(—)type are unavailable (520).

The SG 222 logs all occurrences of when the Service Type Not Available command_(—)status is returned to an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) (MO service type not available). The minimum information provided includes time, service type that could not be routed, and source MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). Other information may be provided. The SG 222 may issue an alarm (520) when a MO Service Type is not available. The minimum information provided includes the time, Service Type, and indication that MO Service Type is unavailable. Other information may be provided. The SG 222 logs when a MO Service Type becomes unavailable. The minimum information provided includes time, Service Type, and indication that MO Service Type is unavailable, plus other optional information.

The SG 222 issues a clearing alarm when an MO Service Type becomes available. The minimum information provided includes time, Service Type, and indication that MO Service Type is available. Additional information may also be provided. The SG 222 logs when a MO Service Type becomes available. The minimum information provided includes time, Service Type, and indication that MO Service Type is available, plus other information may also be provided.

If the response from the ESME 202 indicates that it is available for the service type (518), the message is routed to the destination ESME (522) and a response is sent to the SG 222 from the ESNE 202 indicating that the message was received (524, 526). Finally, the SG 222 waits for the next MO message (528). The SG 222 responds to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) with a command_(—)status of Invalid Service Type in the Deliver_(—)SM_(—)Resp or Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp PDUs if the service_(—)type parameter contains an unrecognized or undefined service type value.

We now turn to the cancel operation according to the present invention. This is illustrated in FIG. 15. A cancel operation is used by an ESME 202 to cancel one or more previously submitted messages. A specific message can be canceled based on the message_(—)id and service_(—)type parameters. A set of messages can be canceled using the service_(—)type and destination_(—)address parameters. FIG. 15 illustrates the cancel message procedure between an ESME 202, the SG 222, and the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x).

To cancel a single message, the ESME 202 sends a Cancel_(—)SM to the SG 222. The message_(—)id parameter is populated with the message_(—)id returned in the original Submit_(—)SM, Data_(—)SM, or Submit_(—)Multi message. The SG 222 routes the Cancel_(—)SM to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that received the original message. The message_(—)id parameter uniquely identifies the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received the message. Note that not all routing methods support canceling messages. If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received the message is not available, then the SG 222 returns a new error code ‘Service type not available’ in command_(—)status. The destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) replies with Cancel_(—)SM_(—)Resp. The SG 222 sends Cancel_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the ESME 202.

To cancel all messages previously submitted for a specific destination address and service type, the ESME 202 sends a Cancel_(—)SM to the SG 222. The message_(—)id parameter is set to null; the service_(—)type is set to the service_(—)type of the messages to be cancelled. The destination_(—)addr is set to the destination addresses of the messages to be canceled. The SG 222 routes the Cancel_(—)SM to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that received the original messages. Routing is based on service_(—)type and destination_(—)addr. If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received message is not available, then the SG 222 returns a new error code ‘Service type not available’ in command_(—)status. The destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) replies with Cancel_(—)SM_(—)Resp. The SG 222 sends a Cancel_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the ESME 202.

Next, the replace opration is described with reference to FIG. 16. The replace operation is used by an ESME 202 to replace a previously submitted message that is pending delivery. An ESME 202 sends a Replace_(—)SM signal to the SG 222. The message_(—)id parameter is populated with the message_(—)id returned in the original Submit_(—)SM, Submit_(—)Multi message. The ESME 202 retains the message_(—)id returned in the original message. The SG 222 routes the Replace_(—)SM to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that received the original message. The message_(—)id parameter uniquely identifies the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received the message. If the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) that originally received message is not available, then the SG 222 returns a new error code ‘Service type not available’ in command_(—)status. The destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) replies with Replace_(—)SM_(—)Resp containing message status. The SG 222 sends Replace_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the ESME 202.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a check link status inquiry. In this case, the ESME 202 inquires regarding the link between the ESME 202 and the SG 222. The SG 222 may send Enquire_(—)Link to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) to check the application level communications link between the SG 222 and the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) responds with Enquire_(—)Link_(—)Resp. The ESME 202 may send Enquire_(—)Link to the SG 222 to check the application level communications link between the ESME 202 and the SG 222. The SG 222 responds with Enquire_(—)Link_(—)Resp.

FIG. 18 illustrates the alert notification protocol used by the MC to notify an ESME 202 that an MS 236 has become available. The ESME 202 sends a Data_(—)SM signal to the SG 222 with set_(—)dpf set for delivery failure request. The SG 222 routes Data_(—)SM to destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) attempts message delivery. If the MS 236 is not available, the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) returns Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the SG 222 indicating the dpf_(—)status. The SG 222 sends Data_(—)SM_(—)Resp to the ESME 202 indicating the dpf_(—)status. At some later time, the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) successfully delivers the message to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends Alert_(—)Notification to the SG 222 indicating dpf_(—)status. The SG 222 routes Alert_(—)Notification to the ESME 202 using the esme_(—)addr parameter.

Over-the-air activation is also available with the introduction of the SG 222 into the messaging complex 216. FIG. 19 illustrates an example activation message flow according to the present invention. An OTAF sends a Submit_(—)SM signal to the SG 222. The MS 236 number assignment module (NAM) data is contained in the short_(—)message parameter. The NAM data associates the mobile identification number (MIN) with the electronic serial number (ESN). The destination_(—)address parameter contains activation MIN. For an Initial Over the Air Activition (IOAA), the SG 222 extracts the electronic serial number (ESN) from the MS NAM data in the short_(—)message parameter. The IOAA process refers to the first time a phone is activated over the air. During IOAA, parameters are downloaded to the phone allowing it to operate in the wireless network. For example, the phone receives its MDN (phone number) along with other parameters required for it to operate in the network.

Routing is based on odd or even ESN value. The SG 222 routes Submit_(—)SM to the destination MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) based on the ESN value. If an MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) is not available, the SG 222 returns ‘service not available’ in command_(—)status. The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) responds with Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp with a unique message_(—)id. The message_(—)id can subsequently be used to query or cancel request from the OTAF. The SG 222 sends a Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp signal to the OTAF. The MS 236 registers with activation MIN at the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x). A REGNOT signal is routed to the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) by STP based on odd or even ESN value. Then IOAA can occur using existing procedures.

For the operation of reprogramming over-the-air-activation (ROAA), the OTAF sends a Submit_(—)SM signal to the SG 222. The MS NAM data is contained in the short_(—)message parameter. The destination_(—)address parameter contains the MIN of the MS 236. Then the steps from the SG 222 extracting the ESN through the SG 222 sending the Submit_(—)SM_(—)Resp to OTAF signal are the same as the IOAA above.

The MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) sends a SMSGEQ signal to the HLR 226. The HLR 226 responds with a SMSGEQ signal containing the SMS_(—)Address. If the MS 236 is not registered, the standard delivery pending and SMSNOT procedures apply. Then, ROAA can be accomplished using existing procedures.

At the MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) providing OTAP, RIP is set to ‘replace’ globally. Any pending activation (IOAA or ROAA) for a specific destination_(—)address is replaced regardless of the RIP parameter in Submit_(—)SM. The SG 222 must route IOAA and ROAA requests for the same MS 236 to the same MC 224 ₁–224 _(x) so pending messages can be replaced if present. The RIP is based on destination_(—)address. The Destination address is the activation MIN for IOAA and MIN for ROAA. Therefore, the SG 222 routing is based on ESN not MIN.

The SG 222 will have certain functions that it performs. These include security, anti-spam and flow control, and ESME-SG flow control. Regarding security issues, the ESMEs 202 will communicate with the SG 222 using dedicated network connections. The SG 222 is not connected to the Internet. The SG 222 implementation and communication with ESMEs 202 must meet established security requirements. The ESME 202 must be authorized to bind to the SG 222. Parameters for binding include System ID, specific socket, and password. The ESME 202 must be authorized to request delivery of a specific service type. The ESME 202 must be authorized for each service type it is allowed to delivery. An ESME 202 may be authorized to deliver more than one service type. If the ESME 202 requests delivery of a service type for which it is not authorized, the request will be rejected. Encryption of messages between ESME 202 and SG 222 should not be required.

Having discussed the various functions of the SG 222, we now turn to FIG. 20, wherein example hardware requirements for the SG 222 are disclosed. The main components of the SG 222 include at least one switch and at least one router. The ESMEs 202 transmit messages through an IP network 250 to the SMPP gateway 222. The SMPP gateway 222 comprises at least two routing servers, such as the Sun Microsystem Netra T 1400 Dual 440 MHz processor servers with 1 GB memory and two 18 GB disks. The SG 222 is scalable from 2 to n routing nodes 264 ₁–264 _(x). Other more current computer servers may also be used and are contemplated as within the scope of the invention. Other features such as slots for removable media devices and other standard equipment are well known to those of skill in the art.

The servers control at least one and preferrably two Cisco Local Director Routers 252, 254 as switches. Preferrably, TCP/IP is the networking protocol to provide communication across the diverse networks. Each switch 252, 254 preferrably contains a primary 256, 260 and a secondary 258, 262 component, respectively, for controlling the destination of each message received from the IP network 250. The destination of each message from the primary 256, 260 or secondary 258, 262 components of the switches 252, 254 is a first routing node 2641 or a second routing node 2642, up to “n” routing nodes. These routers are preferrably Cisco Local Director Routers comprising LocalDirector 420, a four port 10/100 Ethernet card in a rack-mounted arrangement. The routers 264 ₁, 264 ₂ route the messages to the appropriate message center 224 ₁, 224 ₂, or 224 _(x). While specific hardware components are mentioned as preferable, this is not meant to limit the general components to any type of router, computer server, or switch that performs the functions disclosed herein for the SG 222.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurations of the described embodiments of the invention are part of the scope of this invention. For example, the above description discusses messages being passed between an ESME and a wireless device. However, the SG may be modified to route messages between wireless carriers. Thus, messages may be passed from a subscriber of one wireless carrier to a subscriber of another carrier for both MO and MT messages. Accordingly, the appended claims and their legal equivalents should only define the invention, rather than any specific examples given. 

1. A method of delivering a message from a message source device to a message receiving device through a short message point-to-point protocol gateway through which plural short message entities communicate with a plurality of messaging centers, the method comprising: transmitting a message from the message source device to the gateway, the message being associated with a message service type; determining at the gateway a routing method based on the message service type; and routing the message from the gateway to one of the plurality of messaging centers according to the routing method, the routing method is selected from a group consisting of message center specific, load balancing, mobile destination number (MDN) range, equal allocation and electronic serial number, the equal allocation routing method routing messages to a group of message centers based on sequentially sending messages to each message center in the group of message centers such that each message center in the group receives an equal number of messages.
 2. A method of delivering a message according to claim 1, wherein the message source device is one of a plurality of different message source devices that communicate with the gateway using a single interface protocol.
 3. A method of delivering a message according to claim 1, wherein the message center specific routing method routes all messages for the message service type of the routed message to a specific messaging center.
 4. A method of delivering a message according to claim 1, wherein the load balancing routing method routes messages to a group of message centers based on load capabilities of each message center in the group of message centers.
 5. A method of delivering a message according to claim 1, wherein the MDN range routing method routes messages to a specific message center based on the MDN range of the destination address.
 6. A method of delivering a message according to claim 5, wherein the MDN range routing method uses the message service type and destination address for routing decisions.
 7. A method of delivering a message from a message source device to a message receiving device through a plurality of message centers communicating with a short message point-to-point protocol gateway, the method comprising: transmitting the message from the message source device to one of the plurality of message centers, the message being associated with a message service type; transmitting the message from the one of the plurality of message centers to the gateway; determining at the gateway a routing method based on the message service type; and routing the message from the gateway to the message receiving device according to the routing method, the routing method being selected from a group consisting of message receiving device specific, load balancing, equal allocation, destination IP address, and destination address, wherein the destination address routing method routes the message to a destination message receiving device based on a value of a destination parameter.
 8. A method of delivering a message according to claim 7, wherein the message source device is one of a plurality of different message source devices that communicate with the plurality of message centers using a single interface protocol.
 9. A method of delivering a message according to claim 7, wherein the message receiving device specific routing method routes all messages for the message service type of the routed message to a specific messaging receiving device.
 10. A method of delivering a message according to claim 7, wherein the load balancing routing method routes messages to a group of message receiving devices based on load capabilities of each message receiving device in the group of message receiving devices.
 11. A method of delivering a message according to claim 7, wherein the equal allocation routing method routes messages to a group of message destination devices based on sequentially sending messages to each message receiving device in the group such that each message receiving device receives an equal number of messages.
 12. A method of delivering a message according to claim 7, wherein the destination IP address routing method routes the message to a destination based on an IP address contained in a destination address parameter.
 13. A method of processing mobile device terminated messages transmitted from a message source and received by a short message point-to-point protocol gateway through which plural short message entities communicate with a plurality of messaging centers, the messages being associated with a message service type, the method comprising: invoking at the gateway a routing method based on the message service type, the routing method being invoked only if an anti-spamming check returns an allowed status; routing the message from the gateway to a message center according to the invoked routing method; and transmitting the message from the message center to the mobile device, wherein the message center responds to the gateway to indicate that the message was received when the message center receives the message.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising invoking the routing method only if a throttle control limit is not exceeded.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmitting an alarm when the message is rejected and the message source throttle limit is exceeded.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising transmitting an alarm when the message is rejected and a message center is not available for the service type associated with the message.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising sending to the message source a response signal indicating that the message was received by the message center when the gateway receives the response signal from the message center.
 18. A method of processing a mobile device terminated (MT) message transmitted from a message source and received by a gateway, the MT message being associated with a service type, the method comprising: determining whether the message source is bound to the gateway; rejecting the MT message if the message source is not bound to the gateway; determining whether the message source is authorized for the service type if the message source is bound to the gateway; rejecting the MT message if the message source is not authorized for the service type; determining whether throttle control limits are exceeded for the message source if the message source is authorized for the service type; rejecting the MT message if throttle control limits are exceeded; determining whether anti-spamming is enabled for the service type if throttle control limits are not exceeded; requesting an anti-spam check if anti-spamming is enabled; invoking a routing method for the service type if the anti-spam check returns allowed; rejecting the MT message if the anti-spam check returns not allowed; invoking a routing method for the service type if anti-spamming is not enabled for the service type; determining whether a message center is available for the service type; rejecting the message if no message center is available; routing the message to a destination message center if a message center is available; receiving a response from the destination message center; and transmitting the response to the message source.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: if a message center is available for the service type associated with the MT message, determining whether the message center is subject to flow control and whether an alternate message center is available; and rejecting the message if the message center is subject to flow control and no alternate message center is available.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: after the gateway receives a response from the destination message center, determining whether the response indicates congestion; determining whether an alternate message center is available if congestion exists; if an alternate message center is available when congestion exists, routing the message to the alternate destination message center; if no alternate message center is available, invoking flow control at the destination message center and rejecting the message; and sending the response to the message source if no congestion exists. 